That ancient sage, Hyrradius’ son, and Mytilene’s pride;
‘Grave sir, betwixt two marriages I now have power to choose.
And hope you will advise me which to take and which refuse.
One of the maidens, every way, is very near myself;
The other’s far above me, both in pedigree and pelf.
Now which is best?’ The old man raised the staff which old men bear,
And with it pointed to some boys that then were playing there,
Whipping their tops along the street: ‘Their steps,’ he said, ‘pursue,
And look and listen carefully; they’ll tell you what to do.’
Following them, the stranger went to see what might befall,